Page 7 of Shared By 3

The meeting takes far too long, and my father comes through half way, but no one takes note. I conduct it with Hunter’s help. As the men walk out, pleased, but with a respectful worry in their gaze, I raise my voice. “Andre, stay.”

He pauses, glances at Lief, Hunter, and me. He sits back down. I nod once to Lief and he leaves the room, just dipping out as if he’s not missing a damn thing.

“I’d like to ask how you received an invitation? Considering the last time we spoke, I made it clear we weren’t offering your business protection, assistance, or anything else.”

“For what? Offending your sugar baby?” He scoffs. “We’re men. You saved face in front of her, but I know how to play the politics.”

“I say nothing I don’t mean, especially since she wasn’t there to witness that conversation,” I grumble. “So explain how you got into our mansion.”

“Your security isn’t what it should be.” Andre smiles. “It would be a shame for others to figure that out.”

My father steps forward, but the door opens again, revealing Lief and Valerie. Valerie walks in, kisses my cheek and Hunters, then sits at the table. My father’s eyes bulge. Valerie looks innocent and peppy, which means she’s either been drinking or smoking with the wives.

“Ah, the woman of the hour. The woman who’s standing between you and a good business deal,” Andre sighs. “A woman who doesn’t know her own worth.”

“I appreciate the compliment on how humble I am,” Valerie says, with a slight grin. “However, you seem to be confused, or you’re a pompous elitist who thinks he’s entitled to something that’s been earned in the past.”

“Excuse me?” Andre sits forward, no longer at ease. “And who allowed you in-”

“I have my place here, just like everyone else who was in this room. We’ve worked hard to gain our positions. Senior Mr. Volkov has always done his research before partnering with others, something I’m sure he can confirm as a shrewd and well-versed businessman.”

My father nods once. “That’s correct. Every man in this building must earn the right to be here. Nothing is given for free.” My father switches to Russian. “Your girlfriend does not belong in business deals.”

“Thank you for making your position clear,” Valerie replies in English.

I’m surprised that she ignored the opportunity to show off her Russian, but a smile tugs at my lips considering how right she’s being.

“As far as me, I’m a psychiatrist. I’m brought in to give a second opinion on a potential partnership,” Valerie continues. “So I have some questions. Feel free to lie, answer them to make yourself look better, or whatever else. I’m very good at seeing through all the pretenses.”

“If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be alive, would you, Dorogaya?” Hunter croons.

My father clears his throat, then gives me a curt nod.

Andre swallows hard.

“First, how did you get into the mansion, physically?” Valerie asks.

“I have my ways. I’m sure they’re not as fun as yours,” Andre scoffs.

She watches him for a long time, letting the silence drag out until he shifts and glances at his invitation. Valerie nods once. “And what future would you like to pursue with this business?”

“You call it a business, but we all know what this is. I’m sure the police would love to know too. I’m more than happy to partner with them instead,” he says.

I don’t notice a change, but Valerie’s eyes focus on Andre’s face.

“Last question? What’s the best secret you’ve been told?” She asks.

He blinks a few times. “This is ridiculous! You’re having a glorified sugar baby ask me these meaningless-”

“You will answer her,” my father growls.

“It wouldn’t be a secret if I shared it, now would it? I’m not the man that goes along telling everyone in school who’s cheating, where they’re buying their answers, or who shouldn’t be passing. I’m also not telling professors what women should be denied their title because of who they associate with. I haven’t told anyone that you’re dating mafia members, have I?”

“No, that rumor about me dating three men just happened to circulate on its own,” she says.

He falls quiet.

“As did the rumor that frat boys were hazing when there was no evidence of it, but it made your anti-frat club numbers increase. Your father was a loyal friend to this family, but I don’t think you know the meaning of loyalty,” Valerie narrows her eyes.

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